Grace Community Church: Recent Episodes
James explores the spiritual battle against Satan's attacks by examining Ephesians 6:16, which commands believers to take up the shield of faith. He illustrates how the enemy uses fiery darts of doubt, fear, and sin to inflame the heart, but emphasizes that faith acts as a protective barrier by relying on God's character and promises rather than personal strength. His sermon clarifies that while temptations will inevitably strike, believers can extinguish their destructive power through trust in Scripture and immediate obedience. It encourages Christians to recognize these attacks as evidence of being in the battle rather than signs of failure, urging them to stand firm in the Lord's might. Ultimately, the teaching calls for a life of conscious dependence on God's strength to maintain peace and unity within the church and home.
The sermon examines 1 Timothy 2:8-10 to emphasize that authentic worship and godly living prioritize internal spiritual conditions over external appearances. It argues that men must pray with holy hands, free from anger and quarreling, highlighting that God looks at the state of the heart rather than physical postures. Similarly, women are called to adorn themselves with modesty and self-control, focusing on strength and dignity rather than costly attire or hairstyles. By referencing Isaiah and Proverbs 31, the text clarifies that true godliness is defined by a right relationship with God and ethical conduct, not by rigid cultural standards of dress. Ultimately, the message urges believers to pursue inner holiness and humility in all aspects of their public witness.
The sermon examines Mark's sandwich narrative structure to contrast the fearful faithfulness of the women with the courageous faithfulness of Joseph of Arimathea. It argues that genuine discipleship is not defined by the absence of fear but by obedience despite it, highlighting how both groups remained faithful to Jesus during His burial. The preacher challenges believers to identify publicly with Christ even when it costs them reputation or comfort, using Joseph's boldness as a model. Simultaneously, it offers encouragement to those who feel weak or anxious, affirming that trembling does not preclude faithfulness. Ultimately, the message points to Jesus' perfect faithfulness on the cross as the foundation for Christian hope and patience with imperfect followers.
The sermon contrasts the flawed 'higher life' theology with the biblical doctrine of sanctification, using Titus chapter two as the primary text. It argues that true Christian living is not based on achieving a higher spiritual tier through passivity, but on definitive and progressive sanctification rooted in God's grace. The preacher emphasizes that all believers share one status in Christ and are called to active obedience, particularly cultivating self-control and sound character. By examining the specific instructions for various groups in Titus, the message highlights that holy living flows from a correct understanding of salvation and the sufficiency of Scripture. Ultimately, the Christian life is presented as a grateful response to Jesus Christ's redemptive work, offering hope rather than anxiety regarding future judgment.
The sermon explores the dual nature of the Gospel as both universally inclusive and exclusively specific, drawing primarily from 1 Timothy 2. It emphasizes that God desires the salvation of all people regardless of background, urging believers to pray for political leaders even when they disagree with them. The message counters false teachings by affirming there is only one God and one mediator, Jesus Christ, who paid a ransom for redemption. It rejects the idea that multiple paths lead to God, insisting that eternal life requires knowing Jesus alone. Ultimately, the preacher calls the congregation to proclaim this narrow yet wide truth without alteration.
This study addresses the objection that God is unjust for commanding the destruction of the Canaanites and Amalekites by arguing that these actions were acts of divine justice rather than genocide. It contends that human critics like Richard Dawkins lack a consistent moral standard within a naturalistic worldview to judge God's character. The study emphasizes that these nations had 400 years to repent but remained wicked, justifying their judgment under God's sovereign authority. By comparing this to the punishment of Israel and the destruction of Jerusalem, the text asserts that God applies the same standard of justice to His own people as He does to Gentiles. Ultimately, the message calls for submission to Scripture over human autonomy when evaluating difficult biblical accounts.
This sermon explores the book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on chapters 7 and 8 to highlight the tension between life's inherent vanity and the pursuit of true wisdom. Chris contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly celebration with the sobering yet wise reflection on mortality and reputation. Key themes include the danger of romanticizing the past, the inevitability of suffering and corruption, and the necessity of fearing God amidst an unpredictable future. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to embrace mystery, maintain a fear of God, and find joy in simple daily blessings as they navigate a crooked world.
This sermon examines Mark chapter 15, focusing on the crucifixion of Jesus through three distinct voices: mockery, atonement, and confession. Craig highlights how the ridicule from bystanders and religious leaders fulfills Psalm 22, while the supernatural darkness signifies God's judgment being poured out on Christ as He bears the curse of sin. Central to the message is the theological concept of penal substitutionary atonement, where Jesus absorbs divine wrath to satisfy justice and secure righteousness for believers. The narrative culminates in the tearing of the temple curtain, symbolizing open access to God, and the centurion's confession that Jesus is truly the Son of God. The passage concludes with a call to live as living sacrifices in response to this profound demonstration of love and grace.
The sermon exhorts believers to offer sincere prayers and thanksgivings for all people, specifically governmental authorities, regardless of their political alignment or moral character. Drawing from 1 Timothy 2, the text argues that Christians must reject slander and grumbling toward leaders, even those who oppose biblical values or hold power unjustly. The primary goal of this submission is to secure a peaceful and quiet life that allows the church to live godly and dignified lives without unnecessary distraction. Historical examples from Genesis and Jeremiah illustrate that praying for the welfare of pagan rulers has historically preserved the community's ability to worship freely. Ultimately, the message calls for a posture of humility and obedience, emphasizing that civil authority is ordained by God and deserves respect as part of Christian duty.
James exhorts believers to reject anxiety by relying on the nearness of Christ and the power of prayer. He contrasts sinful worry with godly concern, emphasizing that every fear should be brought to God in thankful supplication. He explains that divine peace guards the heart and mind, serving as a spiritual defense against imaginary fears and unbelief. By focusing on truth and practicing biblical doctrine, Christians can experience a supernatural calm that surpasses human understanding. Ultimately, trusting in God's sovereign care transforms anxiety into an opportunity for deeper reliance on His provision.
The sermon exhorts believers to engage in spiritual warfare by holding fast to sound doctrine and a clear conscience, warning that drifting from biblical truth leads to the shipwreck of one's faith. Using the example of false teachers Hymenaeus and Alexander, the text illustrates how doctrinal errors inevitably result in practical sin and apostasy. Jeff argues against modern trends that minimize rules or standards, emphasizing that the Christian life is a serious battle against relentless spiritual enemies. By examining Paul's instruction to hand over offenders to Satan, the message reveals a redemptive purpose behind church discipline, mirroring Christ who bore the weight of sin outside the camp. Ultimately, the sermon points to the cross as the definitive victory over evil, offering hope and gratitude for the salvation secured by Jesus' suffering.
This sermon examines the brutal mockery and physical torment Jesus endured prior to His crucifixion, as recorded in Mark 15. Craig highlights how Roman soldiers' cruel jests, including the purple robe and crown of thorns, ironically proclaim the truth of Jesus' kingship while revealing the depth of human depravity. By analyzing details such as Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross, the text underscores Jesus' full humanity and His active concern for others even in extreme weakness. The message emphasizes that the spiritual weight of bearing sin outweighs the physical agony, pointing to the profound mystery of God's love and redemption. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to contemplate the unfathomable humility of Christ and the magnitude of the sacrifice made for humanity.
This study defends the doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience against objections derived from biblical passages that appear to limit His knowledge or control. The speaker addresses verses in Jeremiah where God states He did not command child sacrifice, explaining this as rhetorical language emphasizing the abhorrence of the act rather than a lack of foreknowledge. By examining examples such as Abraham's test, Jesus' knowledge of hypotheticals, and the hardening of Pharaoh, the transcript argues that God infallibly knows all actual and hypothetical outcomes while remaining morally pure. The presentation concludes that human free will and divine decree operate simultaneously without contradiction, urging believers to trust in God's unthwartable plan despite the existence of evil.
This sermon explores the biblical imperative for God to direct human hearts toward His love and the steadfastness of Christ. Drawing primarily from 2 Thessalonians 3, the message highlights God's sovereign power to guide affections and wills, both positively in salvation and negatively in judgment. The preacher emphasizes that a renewed heart is essential for genuine faith and endurance through trials. By examining examples such as Joseph and Paul, the text illustrates how divine direction sustains believers during suffering and fosters unity within the church. Ultimately, the sermon encourages persistent prayer for this spiritual guidance to strengthen personal witness and perseverance.
The sermon explores the theological significance of Barabbas being released while Jesus is condemned, illustrating the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement. By contrasting the guilty rebel with the innocent Savior, the text highlights how Christ willingly bore the guilt and wrath deserved by sinners. Drawing on Old Testament prophecies and New Testament teachings, the message emphasizes that God satisfied His justice through this divine exchange. This act demonstrates profound love, offering believers pardon and righteousness in place of their own condemnation. Ultimately, the narrative reveals that Jesus became the criminal so that guilty sinners might be declared spotless sons.
The sermon centers on the radical, self-sacrificial love modeled by Paul and ultimately by Christ, calling believers to measure their lives not by productivity or comfort, but by the depth of their spiritual investment in others' souls. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12, it emphasizes that true Christ-like care seeks people not for what they can give, but for their eternal good, willingly spending time, energy, and emotion—even in the face of rejection or suspicion—while maintaining joy and integrity. The preacher challenges listeners to examine their own lives through a spiritual 'Fitbit' metaphor, asking whether their efforts are driven by self-interest or by a genuine burden for others' spiritual growth and joy. Key themes include the necessity of emotional and spiritual anguish for the sake of others, the joy found in sacrificial service, and the imperative to love even when unreciprocated, all rooted in Christ's example of enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. Ultimately, the message calls for a life of intentional, joyful, and self-giving love that reflects the heart of God.
The central message of this passage is the profound wonder and gratitude that flow from recognizing God's sovereign mercy in saving even the most unworthy, exemplified in Paul's transformation from blasphemer and persecutor to apostle. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is not earned but received as a free gift of grace and mercy, which overflowed in Paul's life despite his past, demonstrating Christ's perfect patience as a model for all who believe. It calls believers to maintain a childlike sense of awe and thankfulness by remembering their former state of spiritual death and the sheer impossibility of their redemption apart from divine intervention. The passage also serves as a sobering reminder to never write off anyone—no matter how lost or hardened—since God's grace is sufficient for the worst of sinners, and warns against spiritual complacency by highlighting the real danger of falling away, as seen in the example of Demas. Ultimately, the response to such grace is worship, gratitude, and a life marked by faith, love, and continual dependence on Christ's saving power.
The sermon centers on the proper and improper uses of the law within the Christian life, affirming that while the law is good when used lawfully, it is not the rule for believers under the new covenant. It argues that the law was never intended for the justified—those who are in Christ—but rather for the unrighteous, serving as a mirror to expose sin rather than a means of salvation or sanctification. Drawing from 1 Timothy 1 and 2 Corinthians 3, the message emphasizes that Christians are no longer under the old covenant's letter, which kills, but under the new covenant's Spirit, which gives life and transforms believers into Christ's image through faith and the fruit of the Spirit. The preacher warns against replacing the Spirit's work with legalistic standards, whether from tradition, personal conviction, or religious performance, and calls the church to live not by external rules or spiritual highs, but by abiding in Christ's finished work, walking by the Spirit, and bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, and self-control. This freedom in Christ is not license, but the joyful, sustainable reality of being transformed by grace, not law.
The sermon centers on the climactic trial of Jesus before Pilate, revealing Him as the true King whose sovereignty is demonstrated in silence, innocence, and rejection. Through a careful examination of Mark 15 and cross-references from the other Gospels, the preacher highlights three key truths: Jesus, the King, speaks not in defense but in divine silence, embodying perfect trust in God's timing; He is falsely accused by religious leaders driven by envy, yet even Roman authorities like Pilate and Herod recognize His innocence; and He is publicly rejected by the very crowd that once hailed Him, illustrating humanity's capacity for fickle allegiance and self-centered rebellion. The passage underscores that every person, like Pilate, Herod, the Sanhedrin, and the mob, must ultimately choose between Jesus and self-interest, and that the cross—the ultimate rejection—becomes the very means of salvation, as the innocent King willingly takes the place of guilty rebels.
The sermon centers on the vital importance of sound doctrine as the foundation for authentic Christian living, drawing from 1 Timothy 1:1–5 to emphasize that true worship and love flow from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith rooted in biblical truth. It warns against the dangers of theological speculation, endless genealogies, and myths—illustrated through modern parallels like cultic beliefs and social media-driven religious narratives—that divert the church from its mission of stewardship and unity. The preacher underscores that Scripture, though penned by human authors, is the living Word of God, and thus demands faithful adherence, not personal opinion or cultural trends. By calling for vigilance in guarding the faith, the message affirms that doctrine is not merely intellectual but life-shaping, essential for holiness and love, and that deviation from truth leads to vain discussions and spiritual ruin. Ultimately, the church is called to remain steadfast between the lines of biblical teaching, avoiding the doctrinal ditch that undermines both belief and practice.
This sermon presents a powerful contrast between Jesus' steadfast, prayerful trust in God during His arrest and Peter's fearful, prideful denial of Christ in the courtyard, illustrating the devastating consequences of self-confidence apart from divine dependence. Through the lens of Peter's threefold denial—triggered by prayerlessness, fear, and a desperate attempt to preserve himself— the message exposes the deceptive nature of pride, which leads even the most devoted believer into spiritual failure. Yet the sermon pivots to the profound mercy of God, who uses humiliation and the piercing memory of Christ's gaze to bring Peter to repentance, demonstrating that true restoration comes not from human strength but from divine grace. The narrative underscores that failure, when met with genuine sorrow and humility, becomes a pathway to deeper faith and greater usefulness, affirming that God's grace is sufficient for the broken and that His grip on His people endures even when they fall. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to reject self-reliance, embrace dependence on Christ, and find hope not in their own constancy but in Christ's unyielding faithfulness.
The sermon confronts the profound offense and enduring beauty of Genesis 1:1—'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth'—as a foundational declaration that challenges human autonomy, exposes the rejection of divine accountability, and reveals the ultimate scandal of Christ as both Creator and Redeemer. It argues that this verse is offensive because it asserts a sovereign Creator, a beginning, and moral accountability, directly contradicting the natural man's desire for self-rule and the modern secular worldview that reduces existence to chance or materialism. Yet the same verse is beautiful because it points to Jesus Christ, the eternal Word through whom all things were made, who humbled Himself to bear the penalty of sin and offers salvation to all, including those who oppose Him. The message calls believers to live in gratitude, recognizing that every square inch of life belongs to Christ, and to embrace the truth of creation not as a relic of ancient myth, but as the basis for meaning, order, and hope in a world awaiting restoration. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a response of worship, submission, and faithful proclamation of the gospel in a culture that denies its very foundation.
The sermon affirms the divine inspiration, historical reliability, and sufficiency of Scripture as the sole infallible authority for faith and practice, arguing that the Bible is both a human and divine document, authored by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It defends the canon by emphasizing the self-attesting nature of Scripture, the early acceptance of its authority by Jesus and the apostles, and the historical consistency of its content, while rejecting the need for later ecclesiastical councils or traditions to validate its truth. The sermon counters objections by highlighting the overwhelming manuscript evidence for the New Testament, the absence of contradictions, and the fact that Jesus and the early church treated the Old Testament as Scripture without relying on later doctrinal developments. Ultimately, it asserts that faith in Scripture is not based on empirical proof but on the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to recognize the Bible as God's living and authoritative Word, sufficient for salvation, sanctification, and every aspect of the Christian life.
The study centers on the necessity and method of Christian apologetics, grounded in Scripture and the sovereignty of God, rather than human reason or philosophical argumentation. Drawing from Paul's encounter in Athens, it emphasizes that the natural person, though inherently aware of God through creation and the sensus divinitatis, cannot understand spiritual truths apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. The preacher argues that true apologetics is not about proving God through logic or evidence, but about proclaiming the gospel with conviction, recognizing that salvation is entirely God's work, even as believers are commanded to evangelize. The sermon critiques classical, evidential, and presuppositional apologetics as human frameworks, affirming instead that biblical reasoning must be shaped by divine revelation, not human wisdom, and that the ultimate authority lies in Scripture, which is sufficient, trustworthy, and the means by which God brings the spiritually dead to life through the proclamation of repentance and faith.
The sermon centers on the profound truth that God's delight in His people is not contingent on immediate deliverance from suffering, as exemplified by Christ's crucifixion, where divine love and suffering coexisted without contradiction. Drawing from Matthew 27:43 and Psalm 22, it confronts the lie that delay or lack of rescue implies divine rejection, affirming instead that God's love is unconditional and sovereign, even in the midst of trial. The preacher emphasizes that true love permits suffering for greater spiritual fruit, that trials often fulfill divine purposes unseen at the time, and that a distorted view of God's affection can chill the heart and hinder intimacy with Him. Ultimately, the resurrection vindicates God's love, revealing that suffering does not negate divine favor, and calls believers to trust God's character over their circumstances, imitating Christ's self-giving love in their own lives.
This sermon presents a profound reflection on Paul's final moments, drawing from 2 Timothy 4 to illustrate a life of faithfulness, hope, and readiness for death. Centered on Paul's confident declaration of having 'fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith,' the message emphasizes that Christian perseverance is not measured by longevity but by faithfulness to Christ, culminating in the promise of the crown of righteousness for all who love His appearing. The preacher underscores the importance of forgiveness, using Paul's release from bitterness toward Alexander the coppersmith and his reconciliation with Mark as examples of a clear conscience before God. Even in the midst of isolation, suffering, and impending death—described through the grim reality of a Roman dungeon—the apostle remains active, purposeful, and hopeful, modeling how believers should live with diligence and joy in the present age while eagerly awaiting Christ's return. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to embody this same posture: to live faithfully, forgive freely, serve humbly, and trust fully in the Lord's promise to rescue and bring His people safely into His eternal kingdom.
The sermon centers on the biblical mandate to be prepared to give a reason for the hope within us, rooted in 1 Peter 3:15, where believers are called to defend their faith with gentleness and respect while honoring Christ as Lord. It defines apologetics not as a defensive tactic but as a proactive, Christ-centered explanation of one's faith, grounded in the Christian worldview—a comprehensive lens through which all of life, including ethics, metaphysics, and knowledge, is understood. The speaker emphasizes that a proper worldview is essential for coherent faith, and that every believer, regardless of experience, is called to articulate their faith, not through intellectual superiority, but through personal testimony and humble conviction. The sermon warns against the pitfalls of logical fallacies, false dilemmas, and the myth of neutrality, urging Christians to engage skeptics with truth, logic, and grace, while recognizing that conversion is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, not human persuasion. Ultimately, the goal is not to win arguments, but to faithfully proclaim Christ with courage, clarity, and love.
The sermon centers on Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane, emphasizing His sovereign control amid betrayal, abandonment, and violence, as prophesied in Scripture. Through the shocking betrayal by Judas with a kiss, the impulsive violence of Peter cutting off the high priest's servant's ear, and the subsequent flight of all the disciples, the passage reveals the depth of human failure and the cost of discipleship. Yet Jesus remains calm and authoritative, affirming that His arrest fulfills divine prophecy, not human schemes, and demonstrating that true power lies not in force but in submission to God's will. The narrative underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, the necessity of prayerful humility, and the profound loneliness Jesus endured—abandoned by friends, family, and even His Father—while offering hope that He remains a compassionate, forgiving Savior who restores even the most broken. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to extend grace to fallen Christians, recognizing that failure does not erase redemption, and to find deep fellowship in Christ's own experience of isolation and suffering.
The sermon centers on Jesus' declaration in Luke 4 that the prophetic words of Isaiah have been fulfilled in His ministry, revealing God's expansive mercy toward both individuals and nations, especially those considered enemies or outsiders. Drawing from the stories of the Sidonian widow and the Syrian leper, it emphasizes that God's grace transcends ethnic, religious, and moral boundaries, extending even to the most unlikely recipients. The preacher underscores that this mercy is not earned but freely given, reminding believers that their salvation is entirely by grace, not by heritage, morality, or religious pedigree. He calls the church to reject self-righteousness and pride, warning against the subtle temptation to exclude others—especially those who have hurt us or are deemed beyond redemption—since God's mercy is sovereign and unpredictable. Ultimately, the message is a call to live in continual gratitude and humility, reflecting the same mercy that transformed the speaker and all believers, and to recognize that the Kingdom of God includes every tribe, tongue, and nation, not defined by human categories but by divine grace.
The sermon draws a powerful contrast between Jesus' intense, prayerful surrender in Gethsemane and the disciples' spiritual slumber, emphasizing that prayer is not optional but essential for spiritual endurance and resistance to temptation. Through the lens of Christ's agony and the disciples' failure to watch and pray, the preacher underscores that spiritual weakness is not due to ignorance but to neglect of what is already known, revealing how prayer cultivates dependence on God and guards against collapse in times of trial. The urgency of the hour is highlighted, not as a moment of sudden crisis, but as the culmination of a life shaped by faithful, persistent prayer—where readiness is forged in quiet communion, not in the moment of crisis. Despite the disciples' repeated failure, Christ's unwavering compassion and faithfulness reveal that His grace is sufficient for our weakness, and His resurrection hope invites continual return to prayer, not out of guilt, but out of trust in a Savior who prays for us even when we sleep. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to a life of intentional, communal prayer as the vital means by which God preserves His people, strengthens their faith, and prepares them for the inevitable trials of life.
This sermon centers on the unwavering faithfulness of God as revealed in 1 Kings 19, where the prophet Elijah, after a triumphant victory over the prophets of Baal, collapses into fear and despair, fleeing for his life. Rather than rebuking Elijah with thunder or fire, the Lord meets him in profound gentleness—a still, small voice—demonstrating that divine presence is not always in dramatic displays but in quiet, sustaining mercy. The passage underscores that God meets people not in their perfection, but in their brokenness, providing for their needs, restoring their strength, and affirming their purpose even when they feel isolated and defeated. The sermon emphasizes that God's faithfulness endures through suffering, grief, and emotional turmoil, and that believers are never truly alone, for Christ is with them always, not by subjective experience but by objective, unchanging truth. Ultimately, the message is one of hope: though life is marked by trial and loss, God remains constant, and His promises—especially the future redemption described in Revelation 21—offer enduring comfort and assurance.
The sermon centers on the historical and supernatural reality of Christ's resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming that Christianity is fundamentally a religion of the miraculous, grounded in divine truth rather than naturalistic assumptions. It emphasizes that the resurrection, foretold in Scripture and confirmed by eyewitness testimony, validates Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the conqueror of death, the final enemy. The message underscores the theological significance of the resurrection for justification, the future bodily resurrection of believers, and the believer's freedom from fear of judgment, rooted in God's perfect love and the finished work of Christ. It calls the church to embrace the supernatural nature of the faith, to stand firm in the truth of Scripture against cultural skepticism, and to live with confident hope in Christ's return, knowing that His victory ensures the ultimate triumph of life over death, sin, and judgment.
The sermon draws a profound theological contrast between the Old Testament Passover and the institution of the Lord's Supper, illustrating how the shadow of the former has been fulfilled in the substance of Christ. Centered on Exodus 12 and Mark 14, it emphasizes that the Passover lamb, whose blood protected God's people from judgment, foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God whose sacrificial death inaugurates the new covenant. Jesus transforms the Passover meal not by preserving its rituals, but by redefining its meaning: the bread and wine are not literal body and blood, but symbolic representations of His atoning sacrifice, calling believers to remember His death, examine their hearts, and look forward to His return. The sermon warns against reverting to Old Testament rites as spiritual practices, affirming that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice renders the old system obsolete, and rejects the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation as a distortion that undermines the sufficiency of Christ's finished work. Ultimately, the Lord's Supper is a corporate, communal act of remembrance, unity, and hope—a foretaste of the eternal marriage supper of the Lamb, where believers will feast with Christ in the perfected kingdom.
This passage reveals the profound tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility through the shocking betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples. While Jesus remains in complete control, foreknowing and directing every detail of His crucifixion, Judas acts freely and culpably, driven by greed and a hardened heart that had been progressively corrupted by unrepentant sin. The solemn atmosphere of the Passover meal is shattered by Jesus' direct announcement that one of His closest companions will betray Him, prompting each disciple to question their own loyalty and revealing the danger of a divided heart that professes faith without true surrender. The sermon underscores that proximity to Christ and even participation in His ministry do not guarantee salvation, serving as a sobering warning against hypocrisy and spiritual complacency. Yet, amid this darkness, the story also offers profound encouragement: Jesus' patience, His sovereign orchestration of evil for redemptive purposes, and His enduring faithfulness to those who truly belong, affirm that no betrayal, no matter how devastating, can thwart God's eternal plan.
The sermon centers on the urgent warning in Colossians 2:8 to avoid being captured by human tradition, philosophy, and empty deceit that oppose Christ's supremacy. It emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge are found exclusively in Christ, who embodies the fullness of deity and is the source of all spiritual truth, contrasting this with the ever-changing, self-reliant systems of human thought. The preacher argues that cultural trends, moral relativism, and philosophical ideologies—such as those promoting autonomy, redefining personhood, or devaluing the physical body—stem from a mindset opposed to Christ and lead to moral compromise. By grounding faith in Scripture as unchanging and eternal, believers are called to reject plausible but false arguments, resist the influence of worldly wisdom, and live in faithful obedience to Christ, who has delivered them from the domain of darkness. The message calls for discernment, rooted in Christ, to protect the church from being captivated by cultural and philosophical trends that undermine biblical truth.
How does the wrath of God shape the way a Christian lives? This message explores how a right understanding of God's wrath—seen in Scripture and ultimately borne by Christ on the cross—transforms the believer's life. When Christians grasp the wrath they deserved and the grace they received, it humbles them, deepens gratitude for the gospel, and changes how they treat others. It reshapes marriage, softens the heart toward forgiveness, and removes the impulse to keep a record of wrongs. Seeing that Christ drank the cup of wrath for us produces patience, mercy, and humility in every relationship.
Originally published in 1836. This edition has been revised for readability. Greed rarely announces itself. It settles quietly into the habits of church life—into what we excuse, what we overlook, and what we learn to call "normal." It can hide behind respectability, careful budgeting, and even religious busyness, while love grows cold and generosity becomes optional. In Greed: The Church's Quiet Sin, John Harris exposes the subtle ways covetousness reshapes a congregation—how it dulls prayer, weakens compassion, distorts priorities, and slowly turns God's people inward. With sober clarity and pastoral urgency, he brings Scripture to bear on a sin that many believers fear to name, yet feel daily. This is not a book for pointing fingers at the world. It is a call to the household of faith: to repentance without despair, to stewardship without legalism, and to a renewed joy in laying up treasure in heaven.
A sermon from Deuteronomy 34 on the death of Moses—focusing not only on Moses' final moments, but on how he lived in light of a pending, certain death. The message traces the context of Moses' exclusion from the Promised Land (Numbers 20), the seriousness of sin as a denial of God's holiness, and the reality that forgiven sin can still carry temporal consequences. It then highlights Moses' steady faith after God's firm "no" (Deut. 3), showing how true reward is ultimately found not in earthly blessings but in "seeing Him who is invisible" (Heb. 11). The sermon closes by emphasizing God's sovereignty over life and death, the right place of grief, and the believer's hope of final resurrection and seeing Christ face to face.
A sermon on Mark 13:24–31 showing how Jesus speaks of near and far horizons (AD 70 and the final return), why cosmic "collapse" language signals divine judgment, and why believers must anchor their lives in Christ's words—because they alone will remain when heaven and earth pass away.
Jesus' warning in Mark 13 is both difficult and deeply practical: judgment is real, deception increases in desperate times, and God calls His people to be watchful, prayerful, and ready to flee to His appointed refuge. This sermon walks through the "abomination of desolation," connects Daniel's prophecy to Jerusalem's destruction, and presses home the urgent gospel call to flee from wrath and run to Christ.
Jesus confronts a Pharisee-like mindset by showing that He did not break God's law—He broke man-made tradition. In Matthew 9:9–13, He calls sinners, eats with them, and declares, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice," exposing self-righteousness and calling His people to extend the same mercy they have freely received.
Mark 13:9–13 is some of Jesus' most pastoral end-times teaching: not a timeline to obsess over, but a call to spiritual readiness. This sermon lays out four themes—vigilant watchfulness, the cost of faithful witness, the Spirit's help when you're put on the spot, and endurance as the evidence of true discipleship. It also warns against drifting into deception or fear as culture grows more hostile, and calls believers to cling to Christ, who keeps His people to the end.
A call to identify and avoid those who fracture the church, while guarding the unity the gospel creates.
In 2 Corinthians 10:1–6, Paul shows that gospel ministry—and everyday Christian discipleship—is real warfare, not against people but against lies that rise up against the knowledge of God. This sermon explains what "strongholds" are (protected, defended conclusions that control us), why they feel reasonable, and how Scripture—God's weapon with divine power—demolishes them. Using vivid battle and "malware" illustrations, it calls believers to identify lies in their own minds, take thoughts captive to obey Christ, and lovingly help others do the same through patient, repeated application of truth until the stronghold is truly down.
This sermon presents brotherly love as a defining, Spirit-wrought expression of the Christian church's identity, calling believers to actively pursue a love that is spiritual, distinct from natural affection, and visibly manifest in the body of Christ. It emphasizes that this love is not automatic but a necessity commanded by Christ and reinforced by the apostles, essential for authentic discipleship, gospel witness, and spiritual unity. The practical pursuit of brotherly love involves speaking truth in love, serving one another with spiritual gifts, and meeting tangible needs, all of which foster deeper unity and harmony within the church. Yet the sermon acknowledges the profound difficulties—our own sin, the real sins of others, and the danger of perceived offenses—that hinder this love, urging repentance and humility. Ultimately, it envisions the transformative possibilities of such love: deeper assurance of salvation, strengthened eschatological confidence, and a powerful foretaste of the eternal fellowship in the new creation, where peace and perfect communion reign.
Finishing Mark 12, this sermon contrasts outward, attention-seeking religion with heart-level devotion: Jesus warns against the scribes' public hypocrisy and exploitation of widows, underscores the certainty and severity of divine judgment, then spotlights the poor widow's faith-filled offering—showing that God measures giving by proportion and trust, not noise or size—and calls believers to examine whether their lives reflect "all-in" love for God that mirrors the Lord's own self-giving in the gospel.
The sermon centers on the foundational Christian virtue of the fear of the Lord, presented not as a terror of judgment but as a reverent awe and worship rooted in the holiness, majesty, and sovereignty of God. Drawing from Proverbs and other biblical texts, it emphasizes that this fear is the beginning of wisdom, knowledge, and righteousness, and is inseparable from love for God, as affirmed in Deuteronomy and the New Testament. Jeff calls men—especially young men—to embrace this fear not as a burden, but as a joyful, transformative posture of worship that shapes character, fuels moral integrity, and produces hatred of evil, including deceit and sinful desires. He challenges the modern tendency to domesticate God, urging believers to study Scripture deeply, engage in theology, and cultivate a profound reverence for the triune God, whose holiness demands both awe and adoration. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is portrayed as essential for spiritual maturity, godly leadership, and enduring faith, grounded in the cross and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus confronts the religious leaders with a profound theological challenge drawn from Psalm 110, exposing their limited understanding of the Messiah as merely a human descendant of David, while Scripture reveals Him as David's Lord—demonstrating His divine authority and eternal nature. The passage underscores that true faith requires more than intellectual assent; it demands personal submission to Jesus as both Christ and Lord, the sovereign ruler seated at God's right hand. The sermon emphasizes that a diminished Christ leads to a distorted religion, where human control replaces divine sovereignty, and warns against the modern error of accepting Jesus as Savior without acknowledging His Lordship. Ultimately, the central call is to recognize Jesus as the all-encompassing Lord of life, whose authority is inescapable, and whose salvation includes both forgiveness and transformative surrender, inviting all to bow in genuine worship before the King of Kings.
This message examines the subtle but serious danger of pragmatism—the belief that results justify disobedience. Walking through Scripture, it shows how good intentions, visible success, and apparent fruit can still stand in direct contradiction to God's revealed will. From Uzzah touching the ark, to Abraham "helping" God, to Peter fearing men, and even well-intended evangelism, the sermon exposes how pragmatism assumes God needs our help and shifts trust from God's Word to human wisdom. In contrast, it highlights faithful obedience in Daniel, Paul, and Christ Himself, calling believers to trust God with the results and pursue faithfulness rather than effectiveness. The aim is clear: not "what works," but what honors God.
In Mark 12:28–34, Jesus answers what every faithful Jew believed was the ultimate question: Which commandment matters most? By affirming the Shema and inseparably joining it with love for one's neighbor, Jesus exposes the heart of true obedience—and the emptiness of mere religious form. This message traces how love for God and love for others cannot be separated, how external religion can exist without saving grace, and why a man can think rightly, speak biblically, and still be "not far from the kingdom" yet outside of it. The sermon presses both believers and unbelievers to examine whether love for God truly animates their lives, calling hearers not to ritual, but to repentance, faith, and restored love through Christ.
The sermon centers on the Christian life as a corporate spiritual warfare, emphasizing that believers are not merely fighting for personal survival but for the maturity and readiness of the entire body of Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 6:12 and Colossians 1:28–2:19, it underscores that the battle is against invisible spiritual forces, and the goal is not individual triumph but the collective presentation of all believers as mature in Christ. The preacher calls the church to shift from self-focused striving to a self-sacrificial, prayerful, and relational pursuit of one another's spiritual growth, highlighting four key truths: resisting deceptive spirituality, embracing identity in Christ, cultivating love and unity in relationships, and persevering in prayer. Ultimately, the message challenges every believer to ask not just how they are standing, but who they are helping to stand—reminding the church that true maturity is revealed not in private discipline alone, but in the communal, Christ-centered effort to equip and preserve one another until the day of Christ's return.
Isaiah 42:1–4 is the Father's command to behold His Servant—Jesus Christ. This sermon traces how Matthew 12 explicitly applies Isaiah 42 to Jesus, highlighting both His quiet humility and His unstoppable mission: bringing "justice" (God's righteous rule, the obedience of faith, and the hope of the gospel) to the nations. It also explores Christ's tenderness toward the weak—"a bruised reed He will not break"—and why believers can take heart while joining His work through obedience, church life, and prayer for the coastlands still waiting for His law.
"How can I read the Bible in a way that I enjoy it?" Edward Leigh Pell takes up that question as plainly as a man takes up a lantern in a dark place—not to display the lamp, but to help you see the road. Many know how to read the Scriptures in some outward sense: from duty, to find support for a belief, to learn a fact, or to quiet the conscience. Yet real profit seldom comes where there is no pleasure in the search; no one draws treasure from a mine with a yawn. With homely illustrations and steady counsel, Pell clears away the common misunderstandings that make the Bible seem lifeless or impractical, and shows how the Book "gives back according to how it is approached." He urges a sane, wakeful, prayerful manner of reading—one that brings the mind and heart into harmony with the Word, until Scripture opens like a flower in its proper air. If you have handled the Bible as a treasure yet have seldom tasted its sweetness, this book will help you turn the stem—and watch the gears begin to move.
This introductory sermon begins a series on biblical manhood, rejecting cultural definitions in favor of Scripture. Drawing primarily from Genesis 1–3, it examines Adam before the fall to show God's original design for men: bearing God's image, working diligently, guarding what God entrusts, leading with love, and protecting others—especially spiritually. The message calls men to model their lives after Christ, taking responsibility in the home, church, and doctrine, while urging women to allow men to fulfill their God-given role.
A sermon on Philippians 2:12–13 that clarifies what it means to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"—not anxious self-examination or casual Christianity, but a humble, sincere, God-dependent obedience shaped by the mind of Christ, relying on the Lord who works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
In this message, Jeff Peterson helps believers think biblically about persecution—especially in America, where it often looks like slander, family rejection, social pressure, or workplace consequences rather than prison. He clarifies what persecution is not (such as illness or suffering that comes from our own sin), warns against seeking persecution for attention, and reminds us that opposition to Christians is ultimately opposition to Christ. The sermon calls believers to be ready, to endure faithfully, and to obey Jesus' command: rejoice and be glad when you suffer for righteousness' sake.
A sermon on Mary of Bethany, who twice discerned the most worshipful response to Christ when others—even mature believers—misjudged her, showing us how deep devotion and listening at Jesus' feet lead to rare spiritual insight.
What does it really mean to be a peacemaker in a world that thrives on conflict? This sermon traces Jesus' words in Matthew 5:9 back to true shalom—the wholeness of creation before the fall—and shows how believers, reconciled by the blood of the cross, are called to restore relationships in their homes, churches, and communities.
"I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content." With that single line from Philippians 4:11, Paul introduces a rare grace that every Christian longs for but few enjoy. In this classic work Puritan pastor Thomas Watson shows that true contentment is not natural temperament or denial of hardship, but a learned, Spirit-taught way of seeing God's hand in every condition—poverty and plenty, sickness and health, calm and trouble. With piercing diagnosis and warm, practical counsel, he exposes the roots of our restlessness and guides believers into the quiet, Christ-centered confidence that can say in any circumstance, "I have learned to be content."
This sermon examines Mark 12:13-17, where religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus regarding the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. Craig argues that the passage is not primarily about political allegiance or financial obligation, but rather about ultimate ownership and devotion. By rendering to Caesar what bears his image and to God what bears His image, Jesus exposes the idolatry of those seeking power while affirming the necessity of submitting to earthly authorities as ordained by God. The central message challenges listeners to recognize that their own image-bearing status means they belong entirely to God, requiring total surrender of heart and life rather than mere external compliance. Ultimately, the text calls for repentance and faith in Christ, who paid the unpayable debt of sin through His sacrificial death.
This sermon unpacks Jesus' beatitude, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," and shows that this is not an impossible command for Christians but a real description of those who have received a new heart in Christ. Drawing from passages like Jeremiah 17, Ezekiel 36, Psalm 24, Hebrews 11, and Exodus 33, it contrasts the deceitful heart of the unregenerate with the Spirit-transformed heart that can pursue purity, blamelessness, and obedience. The preacher presses believers to live consciously in God's presence, to train their hearts by thinking on what is true and lovely, to beware of sliding into sin, and to see God's glory both now—in creation, common grace, and human gifting—and fully in the age to come.
Jesus' famous line about paying taxes isn't just about money—it's about whose image is on your life and where your ultimate allegiance lies. This message exposes our political idols and calls us to give God what truly belongs to Him: everything.
A church can be full of spiritual gifts and still miss the very thing that gives them value. This message walks through 1 Corinthians 12–14 to show why the true mark of spirituality is love, not gifts, and how that changes the way we view ministry, church life, and our own usefulness.
Mercy is not how we become Christians, but the inevitable fruit of those who have received God's rich mercy in Christ. This sermon opens up "Blessed are the merciful" by contrasting shallow religious sacrifice with the heart God desires—steadfast love, practical pity toward those in misery, and costly forgiveness toward those who have sinned against us. Drawing from Hosea, Matthew 5 and 9, Jude, and real-life examples, it presses believers to imitate Jesus by extending mercy in ordinary, often hidden ways—toward enemies, neighbors, family, and even deep, long-standing wounds—while reminding us that God's new mercies every morning both enable and reward such a life.
Jesus uses the parable of the wicked tenants to expose the spiritual blindness and murderous intent of the religious leaders who rejected God's prophets and ultimately His Son. The sermon highlights God's immense patience and provision for Israel, contrasting it with humanity's ingratitude and inherent hostility toward divine authority. By identifying Himself as the beloved son and the rejected cornerstone, Jesus declares that stewardship of God's kingdom will transfer to those who produce fruit. This passage serves as a solemn warning against presuming on God's mercy while simultaneously offering the urgent call to repentance and faith for all people. The central message urges listeners to respond immediately to God's voice rather than hardening their hearts in rebellion.
Jesus' parable of the vineyard exposes the tragic pattern of Israel's rejection of God's messengers and ultimately His Son, illustrating how divine patience and abundant grace are met with escalating hostility, hypocrisy, and murderous intent. Centered on the metaphor of a vineyard—representing God's chosen people—Jesus reveals the spiritual reality that despite centuries of divine provision, protection, and repeated calls to repentance through prophets, the religious leaders had hardened their hearts, culminating in their plot to kill the beloved Son. The parable, rooted in Isaiah 5 and Psalm 118, declares that the rejected cornerstone—Jesus Himself—has become the foundation of God's eternal kingdom, a truth that provokes both judgment and mercy, as the unrepentant are warned of impending destruction while the humble are invited to find salvation. The preacher underscores the urgency of responding to God's voice today, calling believers to examine their lives for fruitfulness and all people to surrender to Christ before it is too late, for God's patience is not endless but designed to lead to repentance.
In this sermon from Mark 11:20–25 (Part 1), the preacher unpacks Jesus' words about faith that moves mountains, exploring the tension between bold belief and humble submission to God's will. Through vivid illustrations and honest wrestling with the text, we see how true faith leads to prayer that depends wholly on God, not self-sufficiency.
Jesus says the truly blessed are those starving and thirsty for righteousness—not the merely busy, active, or "in ministry." This message probes what it actually means to crave Christlikeness in everyday life and shows how that hunger is the mark of a real Christian.
A sermon on Matthew 8:23–27 that marvels at Jesus' authority over wind and waves, shows how he teaches before he delivers, and calls believers to trust him amid personal and corporate storms—echoing Habakkuk's "the righteous shall live by faith" and the resolve to rejoice when blessings delay.
A comforting sermon reminding believers that in times of sorrow, confusion, or trial, God remains our eternal refuge. Drawing from Deuteronomy 33:27—"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms"—this message explores God's unchanging nature, His protective presence, and the sustaining strength of His everlasting arms. Through biblical examples such as David in the caves, Noah's ark, and the cities of refuge, the sermon calls Christians to find rest, strength, and confidence in the eternal, triune God who never wearies of carrying His people.
What does true evidence of salvation look like? Hebrews 6 teaches that the power of the age to come is not displayed in dramatic experiences or spiritual fireworks, but in a steady love for Christ's name shown through serving His people.
A heartfelt sermon reminding believers of the reality of suffering, lament, and the effects of sin, while pointing to the unshakable hope and promises of God in Christ. Drawing from Revelation 21 and other Scriptures, it emphasizes that Christians mourn with hope, clinging to God's promises of a new heaven and new earth where tears, pain, and death will be no more. The message encourages holding fast to God's promises through trials, trusting in Christ as the solid rock and the ultimate fulfillment of every hope.
Prayer is called "the key of paradise" and "the soul's blood," yet for many, it remains a source of frustration and mystery. We ask but do not receive. We speak but feel unheard. We wonder if our prayers have any real power.
Paul lifts our eyes to the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort," showing that trials are not wasted. First, God comforts us in every affliction to make us able ministers who pass that same comfort to others—His consolation is meant to flow through us, not stop with us (vv.3–7). Second, God uses crushing seasons to kill self-reliance and teach reliance on "the God who raises the dead" (vv.8–11). Past deliverances fuel future hope; God often comforts by means (e.g., Titus' arrival and report), and He multiplies help through the prayers of many. View suffering as both ministry training and dependence training.
This sermon explores the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as described in Mark 11:1-11. The speaker emphasizes that this event, often called Palm Sunday, reveals Jesus as a humble, sovereign, and misunderstood king who came not for earthly conquest but for service and sacrifice.
This sermon centers on Jesus as the helper of the helpless from Matthew 9:35–38. It highlights how Christ's compassion for the crowds—harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd—reveals both the reality of human spiritual helplessness and the sufficiency of God's grace.
In this Ask Pastor Tim (from 2019) we study Ecclesiastes 7:16—"Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise"—and unpack what Solomon really meant by that warning. We'll walk through three foundational hermeneutical methods (compare Scripture with Scripture, examine context and genre, cross‑reference translations), see how translation differences affect our understanding, and survey New Testament passages that call us to genuine holiness without slipping into legalism or laxity.
About "Humility: Adopting Paul's "Less Than the Least" Mindset" Isaac Watts saw pride as a root‑poison in the soul and wrote these pages to help Christians dig it out by its very source. Here you will find no mere rules or moralizing, but a steady unfolding of: Pride wears subtle disguises in every heart. Christ's humility is our pattern, and Paul's self-abasement is our example. There is quiet power in depending on God and knowing our nothingness. Peace and grace flow from esteeming others and denying self. Read slowly. Let each gentle conviction awaken you to your own need. Then, having learned to think "slightly less of yourself and slightly more of others," discover the unsearchable riches Christ gives to the humble of heart. A worm may lift itself up above other worms, but one step from a man crushes it into the dust. So it is with us. We may seem greater than our neighbors, but in God's presence, we are nothing. — Isaac Watts
What true Christianity really is, is a the topic that Stuart Olyott opens in 2 Thessalonians 2 :13 – 3:5 and paints a portrait of "true Christianity." A real Christian, he says, is saved—a word "stronger than helped or rescued"—delivered from God's wrath through Christ's death and resurrection. That rescue rests on God's loving choice, the Spirit's sanctifying work, and believing the gospel truth: "God chose you as the first‑fruits to be saved through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth".
A study of Mark 10:17–31 unpacking the rich young ruler's question about eternal life, Jesus' call to forsake all for His kingdom, the impossibility of self-made righteousness, and the surprising promise of a hundredfold blessing and eternal life.
In this message we zero in on Paul's five rapid-fire imperatives in 1 Thessalonians 5:15–18 and the importance of that little word "always." He tells us never to repay evil with evil but to do good to everyone; then he commands us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks without pause. Living "always" can feel impossible—until we remember we're united to Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who both wills and works in us for His good pleasure. Join us as we discover how every moment of our daily grind can become an act of worship when the Spirit empowers us to obey these "always" commands.
Well, brethren, today we press into Mark 10:1–12 and tackle a subject nobody loves—divorce. When the Pharisees come testing Jesus, He cuts through their "well-baited" questions and exposes the root sin: hardness of heart. Marriage, He reminds us, is a lifelong covenant—what God has joined, let no one separate. Yet in our fallen world He grants a concession to protect the innocent. We'll wrestle with Deuteronomy's certificate, Malachi's "I hate divorce," and the gospel-powered call to fight for every covenant, extend grace, and lean on Christ's strength.
The sermon explores the challenging intersection of wealth and faith, examining a rich young ruler's pursuit of eternal life and the disciples' astonishment at Jesus' teachings. It highlights the inherent impossibility of human achievement in securing salvation, emphasizing that true faith requires relinquishing self-reliance and childlike trust in God's power. Through the narrative, the preacher underscores the necessity of pruning away pride and self-sufficiency, illustrating that God's intervention is essential for redemption, and that even seemingly impossible circumstances are opportunities for divine work, ultimately calling for a surrender to God's grace and a reliance on His power to achieve what human effort cannot.
In this sermon we dive into Hebrews 10:18–31 to understand why the author calls us to "not neglect meeting together." Exploring the three "let us" responses—drawing near in prayer, holding fast in hope, and stirring one another to love and good works—we unpack vivid analogies like the wedding rehearsal and the lone coal by the fire. Discover how Christian community fuels our faith, protects us from spiritual isolation, and prepares us for the day of Christ's return. Read Tim Challie's full article here: https://www.challies.com/articles/the-most-dangerous-thing-a-christian-can-do/
Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you—He will never permit the righteous to be moved—so rather than longing for wings like a dove, roll today's stick (Newton reference) onto Him and be kept.
Better to cut off the hand, foot, or eye that causes sin—and to avoid dragging Christ's little ones into stumbling—than to be cast into the unquenchable fire; be pure salt within yourselves and live in peace.
In this deeply personal interview, Pastor Mack Tomlinson recounts his year-long battle with spiritual darkness and chronic insomnia, how the Psalms became his lifeline, and the miraculous moment when God delivered him through a trusted friend's counsel. He offers practical wisdom for pastors facing similar struggles—emphasizing the necessity of preaching God's promises to ourselves—and closes by sharing specific prayer needs for faithful preaching, writing, family, and health in the seasons ahead.
Paul's message in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 assures believers that Christ's return will be sudden, yet not fearful: as children of light we stay awake, sober, and encouraged, knowing God has destined us for salvation through Jesus. This sermon calls us to live ready, strengthen one another, and share the gospel while there is still time.
Walking through 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, this message shows how the coming of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, and our gathering with Him replace fear with confident hope and motivate holy, brother-loving lives.
The love of Christ controls us—New-Covenant saints gripped by the Spirit see that "one has died for all," so we no longer live for ourselves but press on in Spirit-empowered service, certain the Risen King will soon return.
Also known as: #42 The Greatest of All is the Servant of All In Mark 9:30-41 Jesus reshapes our idea of greatness, calling us to embrace suffering, humility, servant-hearted living, and generous charity. This message exposes pride, lifts up the lowly, and shows that even a cup of water offered in His name draws Heaven's reward.
This sermon explores what genuine brotherly love looks like among God's people, contrasting worldly notions of "angry love" with the biblical call to grace, truth, and sacrificial love modeled by Christ. From 1 Thessalonians 4, it urges believers to live as citizens of the true heavenly city, showing love more and more, walking properly before outsiders, and reflecting the love of Christ until His return.
In John 19:28–30, Jesus declares "It is finished"—the fulfillment of prophecy, the payment for our sin, and the tearing of the temple curtain to give us direct access to God. We trace His past suffering, the present power of those words, and the future victory they secure. May this reminder of Christ's completed work strengthen your faith and send you out with good news to share.
In this preaching class Stuart Olyott shows that "preaching is not the most important thing" and that "being an example is much more important than preaching." Drawing on 1 Timothy 4:11, 1 Peter 5, and Ephesians 2:14–17, he explains why the "sort of life you live" must precede your words, why "little Jesus's" must speak from a heart-to-heart place, and how true preaching is "the exposition and application of the word of God." By focusing on character, conscience, and clear, Christ-centered illustration rather than mere lecture, Olyott equips pastors to leave their congregations "longing" rather than "loathing" at the close of a sermon.
A look at Jesus' unexpected cursing of the barren fig tree (Mark 11 / Matt 21) as a vivid lesson on faith—how unwavering trust in God's promises enables us to "wither trees" and "move mountains" in prayer.
Stuart Olyott uses vivid analogies from hospital wards and apartment elevators to show, from 1 Corinthians 15, why the gospel alone outranks every doctrine, practice, and spiritual gift. By unpacking Christ's death, burial, and resurrection in accordance with Scripture, he urges believers to center their faith and ministry on this life-saving message.
This sermon from John 20:17 focuses on The Love and Acceptance of Christ. Drawing from Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection, it highlights how Christ shows love to those who feel ashamed, weak, or unworthy. It points to the evidence of His love: personal revelation, restored relationship, complete forgiveness, and union with Him.
Draws out Jesus' rebuke of "faithless generation" and His command that certain demons yield only to prayer (and fasting), calling us to abandon self-sufficiency and cling to the Lord.
Showing the main obstacles that hinder believers from drawing near to Christ, with clear guidance for how to walk again in the light of God's grace. Do you ever tremble beneath the weight of hidden doubts, unable to bring your soul to rest? Have you wandered long in darkness, searching for a single promise to cling to? What hinders you from drawing near to Christ's tender mercy? How shall you quiet the clamoring of a conscience burdened by sin? Where will you turn when every human stay proves frail? In these pages, Thomas Hooker—first minister of Hartford—speaks directly to the poor doubting heart. Here you will find no flowery ornament, but plain, piercing truth: the riches of God's Word laid open, the way of salvation set forth step by step. Hooker guides you to cast off all reliance on your own strength and to lay hold of Christ's promises—richly furnished for the faint and feeble. Ministers and mourners alike will discover clear counsel for every stage of spiritual distress, and find their hearts drawn out of confusion into light.
An exposition of 1 Timothy 6:3–16, this sermon calls every believer to engage in an active struggle against false teaching, pride, quarrels, and the love of money. By unpacking Paul's exhortation to "fight the good fight of the faith," it shows how sanctification involves both fleeing sinful attitudes and pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness. Grounded in justification by grace through faith alone, the fight begins the moment we confess Christ and continues until His appearing. Emphasizing the urgency of battling for eternal life, the message concludes with a celebration of Christ's return and a call to praise the Father who alone is immortal.
Stuart Olyott partage son témoignage, son appel au ministère, et donne des conseils précieux sur l'implantation d'églises, la prédication, et l'équilibre entre famille et service. Écoutez des prédications que Stuart Olyott a données en français il y a des décennies sur ce podcast : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL00XESFE8CFesfMaPceNI0OiQ2eIW4cDN
In this message, Pastor Jeff Peterson opens up 1 Thessalonians 4 to show how the Christian life is meant to be lived in a way that pleases God—not just in words, but in purity, obedience, and holiness.
Pastor Tim Conway examines James 4:13–15, calling out practical atheism—the everyday habit of planning without acknowledging God. He offers six insights showing why saying "today or tomorrow we will…" without "if the Lord wills" is both arrogant and sinful. Discover how viewing your life as a vapor, renewing your mind in Christ, and rejecting practical atheism can reshape your words, your work, and every tomorrow under God's sovereign will.
"It is better for you that one man should die for the people…" Caiaphas tossed out those words to save his own seat, yet he unwittingly preached the Gospel of substitutionary atonement—one Man dying for the nation and gathering the scattered children of God. This message tracks the story from Lazarus' tomb to the Sanhedrin chamber and presses the unavoidable question: What do you do with Jesus? We'll see how God uses wicked men—like Caiaphas, like Cyrus—to accomplish righteous purposes, turning a plot meant for evil into salvation "on steroids." If He can steer a murderous council, He can guide the craziness of our age and even the "mundane" moments of our lives—changing diapers, answering phones, mowing lawns—for eternal glory. God's driving the bus, and there are no co-pilots. Trust Him, love Him, live in humble obedience, and watch ordinary providences become instruments of redemption.
Follow Jesus where it matters most: Mark 8:34-38 calls every believer to deny self, shoulder the cross, and treasure Christ above the world. This sermon exposes the danger of gaining everything yet losing your soul, urges fearless allegiance to Christ in a hostile age, and shows how true life is found only by surrendering all to Him.
Pastor Tim Conway examines James 4:13–15, calling out practical atheism—the everyday habit of planning without acknowledging God. He offers six insights showing why saying "today or tomorrow we will…" without "if the Lord wills" is both arrogant and sinful. Discover how viewing your life as a vapor, renewing your mind in Christ, and rejecting practical atheism can reshape your words, your work, and every tomorrow under God's sovereign will.
Joel Beeke graciously unfolds the triumphant vision of Revelation 19:6–9, calling us to behold "the greatest wedding ever"—the utopian marriage between Christ the Lamb and His Bride. With Puritan fervor he guides us through four glorious realities: the heavenly wedding feast itself, the Lamb's self-emptying love poured out on Calvary, the Bride's sanctified readiness clothed in spotless righteousness, and the multitude of guests—every believer—made one in perfect love.
A call to be intimate friends with God, trusting that He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly, shaping our minds by His providence and offering encouragement even when circumstances seem to delay His best for us.
We often talk about hungering for God, but what does that actually look like? In this sermon from Exodus 16, we consider how God provided manna in the wilderness—and what that says about our own spiritual hunger today. It's not just a history lesson; it's a call to examine whether we're truly seeking what God freely gives, or if we've grown dull and satisfied with lesser things. There are warnings here, but also a lot of encouragement—especially if you feel your hunger for the Lord has faded. This isn't about hype or emotion—it's about real dependence on God's daily provision, and what it means to come to Christ, the true Bread from Heaven.
Many Christians live content at a distance from God—satisfied with formality, unmoved by His absence, unaware that nearness has been offered. In this sermon, Tim Conway preaches from James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you," calling us to wake up to the stunning reality of this promise. This is no light invitation. It is a summons into the manifest presence of the living God—a call to approach with humility, honesty, and holy expectation.
In this sermon, Pastor Pat Horner addresses the critical issue of divisions within the church arising from the elevation of leaders over Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 16:13, he emphasizes the apostle Paul's exhortation to "be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." This call to "act like men" challenges believers to exhibit maturity, courage, and steadfastness in their faith. Pastor Horner highlights how the Corinthian church's tendency to align themselves with specific leaders, saying "I am of Paul" or "I am of Apollos," led to strife and division. He admonishes that such comparisons are carnal and detract from the unity and purpose of the church. By focusing on Christ alone and rejecting the idolization of human leaders, believers can foster unity and embody true Christian manhood.
This sermon challenges Christian men to take personal responsibility for their spiritual walk. It calls believers to be vigilant, stand fast, and be strong—rejecting the tendency to lean solely on pastors or popular preachers. Drawing on Paul's letters, the message warns against internal strife, complacency, and false doctrine while emphasizing the importance of deep personal study of Scripture and steadfast adherence to the gospel truth.
In this sermon, Pat Horner challenges believers to embrace a worship that is firmly rooted in biblical doctrine, urging them to draw spiritual strength from God's Word and pursue personal growth. He underscores that true worship and strength come from understanding and living out the promises of Scripture.
In this sermon, Pat Horner challenges believers to take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth, urging them to stand fast in biblical truth and actively guard against false doctrine and complacency. Drawing on passages from 1 Corinthians and Thessalonians, he calls for vigilance, maturity, and unwavering commitment to a life that reflects true Christian manhood.
Let's talk about physical attraction as it relates to marriage. The Apostle John writes in 1 John 2:15: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves this world, the love of the Father is not in them." That's a pretty serious charge in Scripture. And John continues: "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—are not of the Father but are of this world." I start here because, let's face it—we live in a very sensuous and sexified culture. And you and I, as Christians, are people of this culture. A culture that very much exalts, promotes, and appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes—the very things God calls us, as Christians, to renounce, not love.
The profound mystery of Christ and His church: 9 ways Jesus relates to His beloved bride (Ephesians 5:22-33)
Christian Submission: Yielding to God's Will in All Things – James 4 lays it out plain: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. That means if you're living for yourself, holding onto sin, or resisting His authority, you're in a dangerous place. But there's hope—James calls us to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him. This isn't some halfhearted submission; it's a call to full surrender. Are you truly yielding to God, or just going through the motions? Let's open the Word and see what real Christian submission looks like.
Paul tells us in Romans 6 that the believer cannot continue in sin—Hunter considers this passage in this sermon.
Jesus was often criticized for spending time with sinners, yet His ministry was marked by compassion, truth, and a willingness to reach those who were lost. In this sermon, Jeff Peterson explores how Jesus, the Friend of Sinners, exemplified love without compromise, calling sinners to repentance while extending grace.
Counseling, whether formal or in daily conversations, requires wisdom, discernment, and a biblical foundation. Too often, well-meaning guidance can misdiagnose the heart, leading to unnecessary burdens rather than true healing. This sermon explores how spiritual counsel can either deepen despair or bring clarity and restoration.
Understanding Assurance and the Unpardonable Sin Someone wrote in saying: Dear brother, I've been a happy believer in the Lord Jesus Christ for almost nine years and I'm 24 now. Two months ago, I experienced exactly what Tim Conway mentioned in his recording: the fear that I had committed the unpardonable sin. When I was first saved, I struggled with the idea that I might be blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Coming from nominal Catholicism, I lacked many basics of faith and didn't immediately see the importance of attending church. This ignorance led to an internal battle, much like the cartoon...
Aquila and Priscilla exemplify a marriage fully devoted to Christ, working side by side in both labor and ministry, enduring hardships, and opening their home to advance the Gospel. Their steadfastness, wisdom, and sacrificial love serve as a powerful model of faithfulness, showing that ordinary believers can have an extraordinary impact on the Church.
Romans 9 shatters human pride, reminding us that salvation is not earned but rests entirely on God's sovereign mercy. This humbling truth forces us to abandon self-reliance and stand in awe of the God who has mercy on whom He wills. When we grasp this reality, it silences our objections and drives us to worship rather than debate. Instead of questioning God's justice, we are left marveling at His unsearchable wisdom and undeserved grace.
Humility and pride stand in stark contrast. Pride elevates the self, distorting our perception of who we are in relation to God. It fosters a sense of self-sufficiency, making us believe that we can stand on our own without divine assistance. On the other hand, humility aligns our hearts with God's truth, recognizing our dependence on Him. It's about having a proper estimation of ourselves—not thinking too highly of ourselves, nor thinking too low. Humility acknowledges God's supremacy and our need for His grace.
In this "Ask Pastor Tim," someone asked how many times can Christians fall into sin. What is ultimately behind their question, and what does this reveal about their view of salvation?
In this episode of Ask Pastor Tim, "Toddler Modesty? & Is the Church Building Sacred?" two important questions are addressed: First, what principles should guide a single father in deciding how to dress his toddler for church, balancing practicality with reverence? Second, is a church building truly a "sacred place," or does the New Testament offer a different perspective on sacredness? Pastor Tim unpacks these topics, exploring modesty, cultural expectations, and biblical teaching on the nature of worship spaces, while offering practical and compassionate advice.
James 3:1 delivers a sobering warning: those who teach will be judged with greater strictness. Words carry immense power, and those who preach or teach God's truth bear a heavy responsibility. This verse reminds us that teaching is not a position of pride but a calling of careful stewardship, where every word spoken will be weighed before the Judge of all. Few should rush into this role without considering the accountability it demands.
Rahab's inclusion in Hebrews 11, alongside the greats of faith, shows that God's kingdom is for anyone who believes and acts on that belief—regardless of their past. Rahab reminds us that faith is not about where you come from or what you've done, but about whom you trust.
In 1 Samuel, we see how David's sin provided a great occasion for God's enemies to speak evil of His name. Similarly, in Titus 2 and 1 Timothy 6, we learn that failing to submit to authority can also bring reproach upon God's name.
Brethren, this isn't about whether works save us—that's not the point here. James is not contradicting Paul. The issue is this: true faith, the kind that actually saves, is never alone. It's completed by works. That's what James is saying. Look at Abraham—he believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. But it was when he acted, when he offered Isaac, that his faith was shown to be real. Faith without works? It's dead. It's like a body without the spirit—there's nothing there. The question James is asking is this: can a faith that has no works really save you? The answer is no, because real faith is always proven by what it does.
Should Christians rely on medical treatment first, or turn to God in times of illness? Drawing on the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16, this discussion unpacks the delicate balance between faith and medicine, exploring how to honor God while also understanding His provision through doctors and treatments.
In this Reformation Month series Jeff Peterson deals with, "Is justification by faith or works?" in part 2.
Have you ever considered Luke 13:24? In response to someone asking if only a few are saved, Jesus says, "Strive to enter through the narrow door." What does that mean? And why does Jesus say only a few will do so? What does Hebrews also say? "Let us." How do you get in? By what? Striving. Now look at Hebrews 4:3: "We who have believed." Anybody feel better now? Here's the thing—apparently, the author of Hebrews believes that making every effort to labor to enter God's rest and believing to enter God's rest are not incompatible. Striving and believing go hand in hand.
When we talk about 'grounds,' we mean the foundation or basis for why someone does something. It's the reason that explains why they acted in that way. What was their reasoning, the thing that made them feel they needed to lie? In this sermon we consider Peter's denial as recorded in John 18.
This sermon from James 2 invites us to reflect on the significance of partiality in our lives and its deeper implications. Tim focuses on how favoritism violates the royal law, "Love your neighbor as yourself," and stresses that partiality is not just a small flaw but a serious matter of love, law, mercy, and judgment. James connects partiality to judgment, reminding us that mercy triumphs over judgment, and that God will look for this mercy in His people on the final day. The message explains how true Christianity is a phenomenon—a transformation from selfishness to genuine compassion.
Paul Washer | 22:43 | Q&A | 2024 Fellowship Conference New York | In this video, we dive into the misconceptions surrounding short-term mission trips and the biblical definition of a true missionary. Using real-life examples, we address the danger of sending untrained youth to the mission field and why missions should be focused on elder-qualified men who are proclaimers of the gospel. We also discuss the importance of understanding that the Great Commission is a theological endeavor and explore the vital roles of evangelists, pastors, and teachers in missions.
How do you approach areas of life or certain situations that arise that might not be sinful in and of themselves and might even be necessary, but can easily become entanglements in your heart or easily become idols? For example, in the past, I talked to sisters about fasting and how it might start out well, but then the motive of losing weight creeps in.(0:00) The Question(7:04) Part 1 - Avoid Legalism(30:55) Part 2 - Bring Your Conscience Before God(42:50) Part 3 - God Promises to Cleanse Us of Our Idols(1:11:41) Part 4 - So What Do I Do?
Brethren, if you have your Bibles, please open them to James chapter one. One more message, I believe. Before I went to Manchester, we dealt with the first part of James 1:27, and I would like us to take a look at the last part of that verse. James 1:27.
Do you wrestle with your own soul in order to embrace by faith the benefits of the LORD? Do you say to yourself, "O my soul, do not forget all of His benefits!"
There is something to live for! Eternal glory—and that's what this prayer is all about. What you need to understand is that preaching, witnessing, preaching on the streets, and going into mission areas are all part of the cleanup—it's all cleanup. The real battle is fought on your knees. The battle is fought on your knees. – Paul Washer
"The joy of my salvation just doesn't come. There are times when I don't feel it, even though I repent and walk in purity. It seems that the joy of salvation in the Christian life remains elusive. I see Psalm 51 addressing this. What should I do when I have repented biblically, but the joy still doesn't return? Is there some sin I'm unaware of that's holding it back?"
Mark 4:31-32 - It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."
Tim Conway | James Series Part 10 | James 1:27 – Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Luke 4:13 - And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
The Dawn of Heaven is a touching narrative recounting the final days of a devout woman, the sister of the late Mary Ann, who faces the end of her life with unwavering faith and joy. Sixteen years after Mary Ann's death, the narrator is summoned to the bedside of this ailing sister, now residing in a destitute garret in New York City. Despite her dire circumstances, including extreme poverty and a debilitating illness, she remains filled with a serene and joyful spirit, deeply anchored in her faith in Jesus Christ.
In the family-integrated movement, it is often taught to have no form of children's Sunday school. Should the whole family be together the entire time on Sunday morning? Is it unbiblical to have a children's Sunday school? What about the topic of "ragged schools" and outreaches to lost children? As a church, are you willing to reach out to lost kids in rundown neighborhoods and even bring them into the church, risking your kids getting lice from them in order to share the Gospel?
What is grace? Is grace powerful? In this message Hunter considers some of these questions.
Mark 4:5 - Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.
James 1:26 – If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.0:00 – Has Anyone Not Spoken a Word Today?1:04 – What Kind of Conversations Have You Had?15:43 – The Only Religion That Is Not Worthless24:03 – This Gives Us a Firm Warning31:51 – Who Are the Most Problematic People in the Church?34:06 – What Bad Speech Must We Put Off?39:58 – What Good Can We Do with Our Speech?57:06 – Conclusion
Remarkable—outcasts and sinners of the worst kind drawing near to Him—to Christ. To the man who stands above every other man—the one who is undefiled—the eternal Son of God. The one to whom cherubim cover their faces and say, "Holy, Holy, Holy...."
In verse 18, of His own will, He brought us forth by the word of truth. This is God saving us. He does it through the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures (James 1:18). Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear. And as I made the case last time, the hearing is obviously connected to the word of truth, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20). And you'll see in verse 21 he picks back up this idea of the word: therefore put away all filthiness, rampant wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word. It's interesting. He's speaking to my beloved brothers. We can talk to Christians this way, folks. We can say that they need to put certain things off in their life, receive the implanted word, and it's able to save your soul (James 1:21).
In this sermon, Tim Conway exposes 26 mental gymnastics we perform, 26 excuses we make after the sermon, and 26 ways we talk ourselves out of obeying God's Word, even when convicted by its truth. Drawing from James 1:21-22, he'll reveal the gap between hearing and doing, challenging us to move beyond mere conviction and into active obedience.0:00 Introduction and Reading Text2:30 Where We Will Go Next Time: What is the Perfect Law of Liberty?3:38 Have an Anger Problem or a Problem with Rampant Wickedness?12:35 Be Hearers of the Word, Not Hearers Only14:54 How Many Did Not Look in a Mirror Today?24:49 The Mindset Behind Why People Hear and Don't Do26:11 1 – The Casual Listener27:39 2 – Listening on Behalf of Someone Else29:23 3 – Create a Category Where the Text Does Not Apply to Us33:16 4 – We Wait for God to Do Something34:12 5 – We Imagine Someone Else Is Going to Do It36:06 6 – I Am Praying About It37:16 7 – The Wretched Man Complex38:17 8 – Always Looking for the Next Mentor or Counselor39:52 9 – The Person Easily Offended and They Reason Themselves Out of Obeying42:00 10 – Living on Past Obedience43:41 11 – Living on Future Obedience45:18 12 – Living on Someone Else's Obedience46:14 13 – The Imputed Righteousness Excuse48:09 14 – It Is Just the Preacher Saying It, He Didn't Prove It from the Bible49:11 15 – Because of Exceptions to the Rule You Dismiss the Entire Obligation51:23 16 – I Can't Understand It, So I Don't Need to Worry About It52:21 17 – You Lie to Yourself About You Doing What You Are Not Truly Doing53:28 18 – Others Do Not Obey So I Don't Need To53:58 19 – I Am Partially Obeying So It Is OK…
James 1:18 – Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.What does it mean for God to bring us forth "by the word of truth"?Why is it essential to be "quick to hear" and "slow to speak" according to James?How does anger hinder the righteousness of God, as James describes?How can we effectively receive God's Word with meekness?
One of the most distressing instances of religious darkness and despondency that I have ever been called to witness was that of a poor girl, whom I first knew when I was called upon to visit her in her last sickness. She was not twenty years old, her health had departed, and she seemed to be doomed to an early grave. A seated pulmonary affection deprived her of all hope of recovery, and she had no hope in God. From her earliest childhood, she had had excellent religious instruction. Her parents were pious people, and though they were poor, they had carefully educated her. She had been a scholar in the Sabbath school from her childhood, under the weekly instructions of a teacher who loved her and who had taught her with assiduity, kindness, and skill. But though she had been long the subject of religious impressions, and had carefully studied her Bible, and earnestly prayed to be directed into the path of life, she had never found peace with God.
Turn to James 1, and I would like to begin reading in verse 13.Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.So James starts off in this verse by saying, "Let no one say…" There's something he doesn't want you thinking, saying, feeling. "Himself tempts no one, but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it is conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers."
One of the reasons I'm standing here tonight, beyond Craig being ill, is because today is May 29th. Twenty-two years ago at 7:18 Eastern Daylight Time, we were sitting in Trinity Missionary Church in Petoskey, Michigan, having just gotten the call. About 12 hours before that, our son had died. Craig wanted me to talk a little bit about that, this being the anniversary. I want to talk about three things related to this: prayer, providence, and comfort.
The Bible gives us numerous instances where deceit and manipulation cause significant harm, reminding us of the importance of integrity, honesty, and truthfulness in our interactions.
0:00 – Introduction1:50 – Teaching on James is tougher than it would appear on the forefront.3:34 – God can't be tempted with evil?6:37 – Temptation, tested, peirasmos?9:33 – Why am I doing this word study?11:13 – Trial versus being tempted to sin?14:54 – What does peirasmos lead to in both cases?15:30 – First—the positive view of peirasmos.21:46 – Second—the negative sense of the word.22:42 – Is the desire for sex a bad desire?29:53 – Notice "fully grown" in verse 15.31:35 – Let us combine together the positive and the negative views of this word being used.37:18 – A list of the ways we blame God for our sin.46:31 – We must be steadfast!
Tim Conway - Series- James, Part 3 - Believer, though you may be lowly in this world, do you rejoice in the great riches that await you in paradise with Christ-- While the world may pursue what they believe brings true honor in this life, we must remain steadfast, enduring trials and suffering, honoring the Lord.---0-00- Introduction--0-59- Notice the emphasis on having joy in the book of James.--6-28- First-consider the lowly brother.--14-32- Charles Spurgeon on who is truly honored before God.--28-32- Ephesians 2 tells us of the great height to which those who are lowly will be exalted.--37-19- God's Word shows us that we possess the greatest riches in the universe.--39-35- Second-consider the rich---46-51- How do we define wealth----52-19- Third-consider the man who remains steadfast under trial.--57-52- Closing prayer
Believer, do you consistently seek wisdom from the LORD-- Wisdom encompasses more than just knowledge- it entails the righteous application of knowledge in one's life. You don't have any wisdom if you know the right way and you don't go down it. Believer, we need to diligently pursue wisdom, as it forms the foundation for making righteous decisions and leading a life that pleases God.--0-00 Introduction-3-29 Who Should Be the Wisest People on Earth---7-26 What Is Wisdom---15-14 Tim's Definition of Wisdom After Considering the Context of Scripture-32-40 Wisdom or Weightlifting---34-45 The First Motive for Asking for Wisdom Is Need-42-17 God Does Not Reprove You for Coming to Him for Wisdom-49-58 James Now Warns Us Against Doubt
In the midst of our affliction, let's heed Paul's words. Despite the challenges, he speaks of overflowing joy. He reminds us to rejoice in our sufferings and to be sorrowful yet always rejoicing. Though tears, sorrows, and groans are real, in the darkness of suffering, God calls us to sing. - Tim Conway
Stuart Olyott, who wrote the book, -Preaching Pure and Simple- shares on the topic of how to preach in away that is arresting and powerful.--0-00 - Preview-0-37 - Introduction to 5 Great Characteristics of Good Preaching-5-42 - Characteristic 1- Use Your Imagination-24-45 - Characteristic 2- Dramatic Power-42-13 - Ordinary Voice-49-39 - Characteristic 4- Bombs - Assaulting the Conscience-55-42 - Characteristic 5- The Spirit of God-1-05-48 - QA1- Can Unction Be Expected Every Sunday---1-08-44 - QA2- If Unction Is All That Is Needed, Why the Other 4 Points---1-09-29 - QA3- Give Specific Applications or Let the Spirit Do So---1-11-28 - QA4- Exegesis-1-13-02 - QA5- People Taking Notes---1-16-27 - QA6- How Do You Decide What to Preach On---1-18-02 - QA7- How Did You Do Family Devotions---1-20-49 - QA8- What Advice Do You Have for Growing in Prayer---1-22-40 - Closing Prayer
-So, how do you deal with your worries then-- Well, Paul's counsel- 'But in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.' So what do you do-- Well, firstly, let Him know. Are you weak and heavy-laden-- Take it to the Lord in prayer. Bail it out. Don't keep it to yourself. Don't bottle it up in a 2 o'clock-in-the-morning tossing and turning. Have you trials and temptations-- Take it to Him- What a privilege to carry everything to the Creator of the universe in prayer.- - Geoff Thomas
My church may have problems but there is no reason for me to ever lose my peace.--0-00 - A Warm Greeting-0-35 - Philippians 4-1-54 - Who Is Paul Writing To---5-06 - Why Is Paul Writing This Letter---9-02 - One of the Saddest Verses in the New Testament-11-53 - One of the Greatest Verses-No Reason to Lose My Peace-14-41 - Question 1 - What Sort of Peace Is Given---21-37 - The Peace From Christ-27-40 - Question 2 - How Do I Get This Peace---36-15 - Question 3 - What Does This Peace Do to You---42-45 - In Closing-43-42 - Closing Prayer-45-19 - QA - In Practice, How Do You Pursue This Peace---47-14 - QA - Where Have You Gone Wrong in This Area---48-37 - QA - Can You Lack Assurance and Have True Faith--
Consider the stark contrast between living free from sin through Christ and remaining enslaved to sin, as depicted in Romans 6.
-The Life and Ministry of Martyn Lloyd-Jones- Presented by Geoff Thomas- provides a concise overview of the key aspects of Lloyd-Jones's life.
The resurrection of Christ is a cornerstone of Christian theology and belief, representing the triumph of Jesus over death and affirming his divine nature. This event is pivotal in Christianity as it provides a foundation for Christian hope and the promise of eternal life for believers.
-Transformed Lives- The Impact of Revival- explores how spiritual renewal deeply influences individuals' lives, leading to profound personal and communal changes.
The question often arises- If the supernatural described in Mark 16-14-18 is relevant today, where is it-- Why aren't we seeing it-- However, folks, this often stems from a kind of defensive exegesis of scripture. It involves looking at ourselves in the mirror and seeing nothing, yet when we look in the scriptures, we see something. Then, we define what's real based on what we observe in ourselves rather than what we find in the scriptures.--0-00 - Mark 16-3-34 - Opening Prayer-3-54 - Do You Take Mark 16 to Be Scripture---7-12 - Trying to Cast a Demon Out in Nepal-13-08 - How Do These Experiences Compare to Mark 16---23-25 - I Challenge All of Us...-38-21 - The World Needs the Church, Do You Believe That---44-21 - I Long for Us to Have This Same Effective Energy for the Lord-46-11 - Closing Prayer
Stuart Olyott, author of -Something Must Be Known and Felt,- discusses the nature of spiritual experiences in his sermon based on Luke 24. May our hearts indeed burn as we read the Scriptures and walk with Christ.--0-00 Intro-1-24 Luke 24, Burning Hearts-6-07 Who Were the Two People Walking on the Road---7-43 1 - Analyzing the Passage- Two Disciples' Experience-11-54 The Nature of Spiritual Experience- Understanding the Three Legs-14-20 2 - Shared Spiritual Experience Between Two Disciples-18-55 3 - The Author of That Experience-21-48 4 - The Means of That Experience-27-35 What Are Emotions-- Understanding Strong Movements of the Will-32-32 Manipulating Emotions-33-59 Reciting Sequence for Emotional Manipulation- 1 2 2 3-36-01 5 - The Result of That Experience-46-06 My Heart Burns When I See Christ in the Scriptures-48-56 Closing Prayer
Michael Durham challenges the congregation to reevaluate their perception of grace, contrasting it with the righteous judgment of God. Through an exploration of Isaiah's vision and personal reflections, the sermon calls for a renewed sense of wonder at God's grace and a deeper fear of His holiness.
In this video, Jimmy shares about he and his wife's conversion through someone in the Air Force who was providentially placed next to him and boldly gave them the gospel. Then, decades later, his son, who was angry and would say, -You raised me in a cult,- came to know Christ.
Stuart Olyott - 2024 Fellowship Conference - Session 2 - Acts 17-27 - So that they would search for God and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.--0-00 - Introduction and a Comment on America and Texas-1-42 - Text - Acts 17-27-2-53 - Is God Far Away---4-51 - Point 1 - How Does the Bible Teach the Nearness of God---16-48 - Point 2 - A Message to Those Who Don't Know God-28-17 - Point 3 - To Those Who Do Know the Lord-34-51 - Do You Want to Win Souls to Christ---36-13 - Lastly, Let Us Think About Your Death
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, -Are you for us, or for our adversaries--- And he said, -No- but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.- And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, -What does my lord say to his servant--- And the commander of the LORD'S army said to Joshua, -Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.- And Joshua did so.--In Joshua 5, we witness a theophany- God appears to Joshua in the form of a man. Does God join us, or do we join Him-- Are we in our rightful place-- Is it about how God fits into our plans, or how we fit into His plans-- Who is the Captain and King-- Do we sufficiently exalt God as a Man of War----0-00 Joshua Chapter 5-1-52 Opening Prayer-3-03 Introduction to Sermon-5-16 What Is a Theophany---7-38 What Led Up to These Three Verses---10-51 Point 1 - The Commander's Identity-25-13 Point 2 - The Commander's Worship-29-51 Point 3 - The Commander's Orders-40-02 Closing Prayer
And try to see the cruel nails and a crown of thorns, and Jesus crucified for me. Matthew 27, verse 45- -Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour, there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani--' That is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me--' Some of those who stood there when they heard that said, 'This man is calling for Elijah.' Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to Him to drink. The rest said, 'Let Him alone- let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.' Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Now, when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, 'Truly, this was the Son of God.'-
-The eye of the conscience is now redirected. It doesn't focus on my sins and on my guilt and on my inward pollution. Where does it go, when I'm under the blood and my conscience is free and it's all liberated-- Then where's my heart going-- Well, it's going to the glories in Revelation four and five. And I'm thinking of Christ high and lifted up. And I'm thinking of all of his perfections and his blood and his glories, and the unsearchable riches of Christ and all of it. The deliverance by that blood, and the wonders of his righteousness of Christ sitting on that throne.... and because of the blood, none of these things can be laid to my account anymore. They're not accusing me anymore. And so I'm free.- - Tim Conway--0-00 Hebrews 9 and 10- A Theology of Sin, Part 2.-2-16 -Put yourselves in this verse... 'It is appointed for ME...'.--8-47 Why Are We There on Judgment Day---13-38 Believe in Christ and You Won't Come into Judgment.-20-11 Beware of Your Calvinism.-21-16 My Main Question- How Do I Know My Sin Has Truly Been Dealt With---26-23 Sin and Conscience...-28-10 What Does -Cannot Perfect the Conscience- Mean in Hebrews---37-28 -God Cleanses the Conscience from Three Things.--45-05 Secondly, A Conscience Cleansed from a Consciousness of Sin.-49-08 Thirdly, A Conscience Cleansed from Dead Works.-56-39 Find That Your Life Is in Christ--1-01-41 One Word from the Lord Speaking Peace to Your Conscience.-1-04-23 Don't Settle for a Christianity That Leaves Us at a Distance from God.-1-06-22 What Does Your Conscience Indicate---1-08-48 Closing Prayer.
Brethren, I'm so blessed. Listen, God has blessed my soul. Starting last night, I know Craig. Brother Craig asked. He said, -Will you be okay to come to the prayer meeting tonight--- I said yes. Yes. My heart has, I have desired this camp since Brother Craig invited me, and I'm so happy. I've never been to Grace Community, and I've never visited with some of you. I know a few of you, but most of you, I've never met. But I've had the delight to meet many of you tonight, this evening as you arrived. And, you've been a blessing to my soul already. Just seeing the love of Christ in your eyes and seeing your desire to know another brother that you don't know, but who has the spirit of the same God that you know-- And, beloved, that's what attaches us, and that's what connects us. It's profound to go to a different place and to see different brothers. And you look into their eyes, and you can see the Spirit of Christ in them. And you know what I'm talking about when you talk to someone and your spirit bears witness with their spirit, and my soul has been blessed exceedingly to meet each and every one of you. And I pray that I've been asking God, -Oh, God, please meet with your people. Please magnify your name, Father. Please bring us into close proximity to you. Father, please show us that conduit of heaven that we might be guided into your presence.- And that's been my prayer, that we would be ushered into the presence of the high and lofty One which inhabits eternity, whose name is holy. And He said, -I dwell in the high and holy place with him also, that is of a humble and contrite spirit,- and beloved, that's the spirit that I've experienced here among you,,,
Judges 2-10 That entire generation passed away- a new generation grew up that had not personally experienced the LORD's presence or seen what he had done for Israel.
I have been burdened for some time. You know, I was thinking about the text that says, -In Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything.- But do you know what really matters-- It's faith working through love. I thought that maybe on this first Sunday back in the pulpit, I would speak on faith, and perhaps in two weeks, I would talk about the idea of love. Brethren, please turn in your Bibles to Hebrews Chapter ten. We have the Word of God. I mean, if I have a burden, it is that our lives, my life, and your life be conformed to this book. God has given us a book filled with truth, inspired truth. Where else would we go for faith-- I mean, if there's a chapter, we're going to get to it. It's Hebrews 11. But I want to start at the end of Chapter ten, simply because this chapter division isn't inspired, and the author has actually introduced the idea of faith before reaching Chapter 11, verse 38-
The LORD says to His bride- Catch the little foxes for us. Is there something in your church, or personal relationship with Christ, that is destroying the blossoming fruit that is about to come to fruition--
We can sleep in the midst of the storm because God has brought about our salvation, our suffering, and our opponents. Good theology should take away our fears-
Your attitude is not one that I can commend- Your duty is to show that your views and beliefs lead to a higher and finer type of Christian life and living. Then that will lead others to speak to you and to find out as to your secret. To start a division on odd points and to raise difficulties especially in a matter like that of hymns seems to me to be that worst possible approach. It gives the impression that you are intolerant and that you regard yourselves as heresy hunters. - Lloyd-Jones
Jonathan Edwards - None in the kingdom of heaven ever descended so low as Christ did, who descended as it were into the depths of hell. He suffered shame and wrath, and was made a curse. He went lower in these things than ever any other did, and this he did as a servant not only to God, but to men, in that he undertook to serve us, and minister to us in such dreadful drudgery, while we sit at meat in quietness and rest, and partake of those dainties which he provides for us. Christ took upon him to minister to us in the lowest service, which he represented and typified by that action of washing the disciples' feet, which he did chiefly for that end.
In the 1970s, Keith McLeod -1922-1997- and his brother Bill McLeod were involved in the Canadian revivals. The video provides us with an insight into Keith's life and includes the only recording ever taken of him sharing. One of the brethren at the meeting recorded and entitled it -Remarkable Occurrences In The Ministry.- Years ago, I -James- arrived home from our church prayer meeting and looked through old cassettes given to me by a missionary. There I found the first half of this cassette. I popped it and listened with encouragement as I heard of different workings of God that happened in a man's life. I only had the first cassette, not the second, but months ago the Rages provided me with the second tape. The purpose of putting this up and titling it as I have is not to sensationalize anything, but rather to honor God for his greatness. Maybe the remarkable things shared aren't that great in your eyes, or aren't remarkable. With false miracles and false moves of God, we often don't know what to expect and shrink back in fear when we encounter all the false fire that surrounds us.
This topic of humility is so impactful and necessary for us all that I wanted to in part deal with it right now under one possible title of- The Churches Resolve- Humility.
Jesus speaks some profound words in John 14-27, -Peace I leave with you- my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.- In this sermon, Tim considers these glorious words of Christ.
Often, when people think about God's love for those who believe, they neglect to think about his love which is evident in his divine correction of us. Hebrews 12 says God disciplines those he loves-his discipline is evidence of his love for us.--0-00 - Read Hebrews 12.5-11.-2-04 - Opening prayer.-3-47 - God's discipline is not the most popular aspect of His love.-7-46 - Four ways that we might respond to God's discipline.-13-08 - Whenever possible, I share the gospel with my grandchildren-moralism disgusts me.-14-30 - It is a good thing to be troubled by God.-15-14 - First, God's love is not conditioned by our walk.-18-14 - Don shares about a conversation he and Paul Washer had about Romans 5.-19-47 - Second, God's love motivates us to endure.-26-32 - Third, God's discipline leads us to partake more in His holiness.-29-18 - Fourth, God's love may be severe but He is not making you pay for your sins in some punitive sense. All has been paid for in Christ.-32-40 - Conclusion - Do not think of correction as a display of God's anger. His intention is not to exasperate you but to confirm your His child--36-00 - Closing prayer.
Psalm 23-1 - The LORD is my shepherd- I shall not want.--0-00 - Introduction and recap.-01-37 - Read Psalm 23 - Opening Prayer-03-19 - Do you want the LORD as your Shepherd--04-34 - Children you should want the Lord as your Shepherd.-06-44 - The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not whine...-07-53 - Could you personally write Psalm 23--09-20 - Does Psalm 23 make you upset--13-42 - When shall I not lack- Present, future, or always--15-50 - David is not being inconsistent based upon what he says in other Psalms.-18-28 - The Lord makes you lie down. Do you sleep well--23-41 - Is Psalm 23 truly not real in my life or am I not correctly interpreting my experience--24-52 - What is the purpose behind all of this- For the Lord's namesake.-27-00 - I shall not want--28-53 - David and Paul had the same theology.-33-09 - I lack but I don't lack--35-50 - What exceptions are there--37-26 - Many are trapped in the Psalm 84.11 dilemma.-40-39 - Warren Peel - God perfectly hits the target.-41-54 - Does this mean we are passive--44-57 - A couple conclusions.-45-53 - An example of David's tender shepherding care of those in Israel.-50-10 - The Lamb whom dogs encompassed all around Him...-55-07 - Closing prayer.
This study is a follow-up to, -What Do I Need To Do To Be Saved- -Part 1-- where Tim continues to examine different ways people get confused when confronted with the question of how to be saved. There are many subtle ways by which a person can turn salvation into a work or qualification that they must complete in order for the Lord to save them. Tim goes through the Scriptures, specifically John's Gospel, to examine how the Bible itself specifically words things.
Does your eschatology view fit with a two-age program- In this study, Tim goes to countless passages in order to help us interpret Scripture from Scripture itself. Once we've seen the big picture it should all the more motivate you to live by the power of God that this present age is characterized by in the believer's life.
This question came in from one of the new Christians in our church, who was reading Philippians chapter two and asked this question- -What does it mean to work out your own salvation-- Ok. Let's address this. If you want to get your bible, we'll be starting in Philippians chapter 2.--The first thing that comes into some people's minds when they see this is, -I thought salvation wasn't by works, it's by faith-- It's a valid question. We know from elsewhere in Scripture that Paul himself, who wrote this phrase in Philippians 2-12, also wrote the lengthy teachings in Romans and Galatians on salvation by faith alone apart from works. Paul is not contradicting himself here. Working out your salvation isn't just stated here in Philippians 2. The verse in question, though, contains our question, so let's read the verse- -Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,- Let's look at what's going on here.
-When another Christian is struggling with anxiety and depression but they know biblical truths that don't feel real to them for a season, how should brethren come alongside them- We are to -encourage the faint-hearted- -1 Thessalonians 5-14-, -exhort one another as long as it is called 'today'- -Hebrews 3-13-. With many other scriptures like these, how ought we to encourage them to trust God and admonish them for not trusting Him, but not enable them to remain where they are--
In recent news headlines, a Catholic Diocese declared that an Arizona priest used one wrong word in baptisms for decades, and thereby they believe those baptisms are invalid. Are any Catholic baptisms valid- What do they believe actually saves you- This news headline is a springboard into talking about the Gospel and how it is that a man or woman can truly have their sins forgiven in Jesus Christ alone.
What does the Lord mean in Jeremiah 31-34 when he says, -I will remember their sin no more-- Romans 2-6 says, -He will render to each according to his works.- 1 Corinthians 3-10-15 speaks of judgment involving rewards or the loss thereof. Scripture speaks of not grieving the Holy Spirit. It seems like sin would have to be remembered in order to judge works, give rewards, or to be grieved.
Here's our question for today- -Matthew 26-44 says Jesus 'went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.' Does it not seem strange that the Son of God would make a request of his Father multiple times, saying the same words- What should we make of this, especially considering Jesus' teachings on prayer--
If a professing believer came to you and confessed to a struggle with drug addiction, how would you counsel them- What would you say from the Scriptures in order to point them in the right direction---Note- This is an older APT that was never edited from 2018.
Psalm 107 contains four illustrations of people in desperate situations of despair who the Lord saved. What is the response of the redeemed- To thank the Lord for His goodness that was shown towards them- This Psalm contains much fuel to fire praise to God in our lives.--0-00 - Opening prayer-0-12 - Psalm 107, considering technical aspects of the text.-7-29 - A summary of what is happening in the Psalm.-11-39 - Illustration 1 - The sinner wandering and looking for a city to dwell in.-25-49 - Illustration 2 - The Lord is the bar breaker.-33-30 - Illustration 3 - Fools who bring upon themselves affliction.-39-24 - Illustration 4 - Those in troubled waters.-41-02 - SS Edmund Fitzgerald sinking.-47-05 - The Lord delivered these four people.-50-05 - Closing prayer.
Satan is on a quest to destroy the faith of God's people, and yet God is on a quest to strengthen the faith of God's people. And of all things, God uses the Devil and allows trials in order to strengthen the faith of the believer.--0-00 - Reading Job 1.-3-56 - Opening prayer.-5-12 - Introduction - Who was Job--9-29 - Point 1 - Job's trials, allowed by God.-13-30 - Richard Wurmbrand's torture by the Russians.-18-19 - Point 2 - Satan's work is ultimately God's work.-22-37 - Point 3 - What suffering God allows is to strengthen us and bring more glory to God.-32-55 - Job's wife was in the trial too.-42-12 - Does cancer come from Satan- Must we pray it away--45-15 - Point 4 - Truth misapplied can cause more harm than good.-50-45 - Point 5 - In suffering God reduces us in order to increase us.-58-08 - Story from Tortured for Christ.-1-01-51 - Closing prayer.
The Bible teaches that Satan is bound -Revelation 20-1-3-, but God's Word is not bound -2 Timothy 2-8-9-. These truths give us Gentiles a glorious hope, not only of salvation for us but of taking forth the Word to the perishing. We who Christ has saved were once under the domain of the Devil are now enlisted in the Lord's army.--0-00 - Introduction-1-35 - Opening prayer-3-52 - Revelation 20.1-3 and 2 Timothy 2.8-9-6-33 - Satan is bound, but the Word of God is not bound.-11-39 - Remember what it was like when Satan was not bound.-21-33 - Matthew 12, Christ reclaims us.-26-55 - Those once under the domain of the Devil are now enlisted in the Lord's army.-28-23 - Athanasius quote.-30-08 - The Word of God is not bound.-34-25 - 1 Thessalonians 1.4-10-37-55 - God is always toppling idols, remember Dagon.-40-04 - Combine 2 Corinthians 10 and Ephesians 6, and you get...-44-41 - Application 1 - If God is convicting you, don't send Him away.-48-09 - Application 2 - God topples idols over in the believer's life and we ought to praise Him.-51-53 - Application 3 - Jesus is busy plundering the enemies' goods.-54-00 - Hymn - Over The Gloomy Hills of Darkness-55-03 - Closing prayer
How to Treat Your Brethren- Avoiding Spiritual Abuse--Who do you most resemble--First, we've got Mr. I Want To Be the Greatest - Write a Biography on Me in contrast with Mr. I Humbly Don't Care About Social Status-Second, we've got Mr. Wish I Had Been Drowned and Mr. Welcome To All-Third, Mr. Refuses Surgery of An Infected Member and Mr. No Eyes But Seeing Spiritually Clear.-Fourthly, Mr. Looks Down On Everyone and Mr. Goes After Everything As The Good Shepherd Does.-Fifthly, Mr. Too Afraid To Personally Confront Someone and Mr. Better Is Open Rebuke Than Hidden Love.-Sixth, Mr. I Forgave Three Times, That Was Enough and Mr. Forgiven 7,000 Times and Keeps On-Going.
What a call that we have 1 Corinthians 16-14, -Let all that you do be done in love.- We will consider what Biblical love looks like and how God's display of love in Jesus Christ will motivate you to love others.--0-00 - Opening prayer.-3-29 - 1 Corinthians 13-11-21 - 1 John 4-21-46 - Incredible love of God in the Gospel.-34-33 - The outcome of God's love is us loving others.-36-56 - What shapes what Biblical love looks like--45-06 - Display God's love in your life.-50-46 - Conclusion
Believer, if you are standing firm in the faith and believing solid doctrine, it will affect your conduct. To be Biblically strong does not come from ignorance about God but having your mind gripped with the truth of the Gospel and it leads to godliness.--0-00 - Reading text and opening prayer.-2-05 - What will our focus be--4-01 - Titus 1-1, godliness is tied together with knowledge of the faith.-8-19 - Often, the problem is not a lack of knowledge, but rather the knowledge does not change who they are -Titus 1.16-.-9-47 - First, stand firm in the faith.-14-53 - Sometimes, there is almost a shunning of biblical knowledge, making ignorance appear the humble path.-18-43 - We need steadfast men.-21-02 - Ephesians 6 - stand firm-22-48 - -Play the man.--24-06 - Second, knowledge must produce godly conduct.-25-06 - Young men, how is your conduct- Do people imitate it or despise you for it--27-33- - Be dignified - worthy of respect.-32-12 - Be self-controlled - don't be mastered by anything.-36-36 - Better to speak properly in the first place than having to always apologize.-38-46 - Self-control in the realm of purity.-40-07 - How to be more godly- Exhortations on being godly often lead people to try harder to be holy in their own strength.-46-04 - Sanctification is not by the law but by faith.-51-29 - My point- The power comes from the Spirit alone, so cast yourself upon the Lord for help.-54-34 - Closing prayer.
Are you diligently watchful in prayer- Paul said in 1 Corinthians 16-13 that we need to, -Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.---0-00 - Introduction and opening prayer.-1-56 - Start of sermon.-6-08 - Considering the phrase -act like men-.-12-12 - Consider the characteristics.-16-10 - What does it mean to be watchful and prayerful--21-36 - We need to be watchful men.-32-31 - We need to be prayerful men.-40-49 - Why do people fall into prayerlessness- Approaching prayer like a law of Moses.-42-59 - We have every reason to go boldly to the Lord--45-22 - How would you react if God took the access to pray away--47-35 - You have unlimited access to God--48-57 - Conclusion and recap.-53-13 - Closing prayer.
Nick shares how the Lord redeemed him out of atheism and brought him to Christ, and eventually guided him and additional brothers to establish a church in one of the darkest parts of Las Vegas.--To find out more about the church in Las Vegas, visit- https---www.redeemerlv.com--0-00 - Introduction-2-24 - Testimony of salvation.-8-31 - A burden for missionary work.-12-14 - Planting a church in Las Vegas.-20-15 - God was saving people.-24-36 - Who would want to live in Las Vegas--27-11 - The church meets in a dark part of town.-29-21 - What does church life look like--32-31 - Sharing about the impact Grace Community Church had on him.-34-19 - Question - What is next for the church--36-22 - Question - What other needs do you need to be supplied--39-18 - Closing prayer.
0-00 - What do I do if my husband asks me to dress immodestly--1-05 - How was your husband saved--2-34 - Older woman spiritually or in age--4-18 - What if your husband is passive--6-49 - Husband not wanting to work, should the woman provide--9-10 - Not talking over my husband in a group setting--11-30 - Manipulate her into having a mutual divorce--14-47 - How are forgiveness and trust not the same--16-55 - Husband assumes since you forgave him that he trusts you as well--18-46 - What if my husband tells me not to talk to the children about the Lord- -21-04 - Not undermining husbands' authority.-21-54 - What about a woman working outside the home-
-We apologize for the harsh sounding audio, we were unable to resolve that problem due to audio issues we had on this Sunday.-
Why Paul did not lose heart while suffering--0-00 - Introduction-21-40 - 1 - He was doing what the mercies of God had brought about.-25-35 - 2 - He was content being a weak jar of clay.-29-41 - 3 - He viewed his trials as easy to bear.-38-57 - 4 - He knew his trials were not meaningless but working for his sanctification.-43-18 - 5 - He believed his trial was making the weight of glory increase for him.-52-01 - 6- He was not looking to what was seen but to what was unseen.-55-00 - 7 - He knew glory was guaranteed- he had a down payment.-55-48 - 8 - He knew and looked forward to the new body he would get.-57-57 - Conclusion - Do you have the right perspective--1-02-08 - Thomas Boston quote on eternity.-1-03-25 - Closing prayer.
When did Jesus realize he was God- Or did He always have self-knowledge of His divinity- My answer- He always knew He was God. The Person of Christ - Jesus, as He stood before the scribes and Pharisees, or as a young boy circumcised on the eighth day - always knew because His divine nature, which never stopped being omniscient, knew who He was. He knew His relationship to the Father and The Spirit and He has known it from all eternity.
Why and how did Paul give people over to Satan- What does turning over to Satan look like- What is the purpose behind the destruction of the flesh----Table of Contents--0-00 - Why and how did Paul give people over to Satan--3-28 - Considerations from 1 Corinthians 5.-4-43 - What does the turning over to Satan look like--7-58 - What is the purpose--9-30 - How is turning him over to Satan going to ensure his salvation on the last day-
As mentioned in the sermon, many of the examples in the second half are from Lou Priolo's book- The Heart of Anger- Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children
You're probably not surprised that here in the middle of 2021 we have received many questions concerning the COVID vaccine. We've received them here at I'll Be Honest through our web site, we have our people asking us within Grace Community Church here in San Antonio, Texas, and we have discussions outside our church setting. The questions can be boiled down the three main issues. The first question concerns the COVID vaccine in general - should I get it or not- The second question is, -My employer might make the vaccine a condition of employment - should I get it in that case-- and the third question is this- -Is the COVID vaccine the mark of the beast--
Here we are commanded to recall the former days, the days that were better than the present days for the Hebrews. He wants them to look at their past state in order for it to do something to them in their present state.
2 Kings 23-25 - Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.